More Equitable Oceans: How The MedFund Puts Women at the Heart of Marine Conservation

janvier 1, 2026

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Intensive fishing, mass tourism, and the impacts of climate change threaten these fragile ecosystems. Faced with these challenges, The MedFund—an environmental trust fund dedicated to Mediterranean MPAs—is committed not only to preserving nature but also to promoting social equality in coastal communities.

Women play an important role, particularly in the artisanal fishing value chain; however, they have little influence over decisions made in the sectors. The Fund integrates a gender perspective into its actions, convinced that the active participation of women is a key driver of more effective and sustainable conservation.

In many Mediterranean countries, women are key players in artisanal fishing: they prepare nets, process and market products, maintain cooperatives, and pass on local knowledge. However, their contribution often remains invisible in decision-making spaces. To address this situation, The MedFund encourages those seeking funding to include concrete activities to recognize women’s role, strengthen it, and create opportunities for leadership.

A distinctive feature promoted by The MedFund is the integration of social criteria into its initiatives —particularly the participation of women— as part of the evaluation and funding of proposals. At The MedFund, equity and sustainability go hand in hand: without inclusion, there is no long-term conservation.

Catégorie : #Gender Equality #Inclusive Conservation #Marine Protected Areas #Specific Projects & Initatives #Women in Fisheries

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